Typhoid fever is a potentially serious infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi. It spreads mainly through food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. Typhoid can affect anyone, but access to safe drinking water, sanitation and timely medical care plays an important role in reducing its impact.
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Causes of Typhoid
Typhoid is caused by Salmonella Typhi, a bacterium that infects humans. It usually spreads when someone eats or drinks something contaminated with infected faeces. This can happen through unsafe water, poor sanitation, unwashed hands, or food handled by someone who is infected or carrying the bacteria.
Risk increases where clean drinking water and sanitation are inadequate. A person may also spread the infection after recovering if bacteria remain in their body.
Common Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually, usually within one to three weeks after exposure, though timing can vary. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent or high fever
- Weakness and fatigue
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Constipation or diarrhoea
- Sometimes, a faint rash of rose-coloured spots
These symptoms can resemble other infections. A healthcare professional may recommend tests, including blood culture, to help confirm the diagnosis.
Warning signs
Typhoid can cause serious complications, especially without timely treatment. Seek urgent medical care for severe or worsening abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, blood in the stool, or signs of severe dehydration. A persistent fever with significant illness also warrants prompt medical assessment.
Prevention of Typhoid
1. Use safe drinking water
Drink water that is boiled, properly treated, or from a reliably sealed source. Avoid ice when you are unsure whether it was made with safe water.
2. Practise careful food hygiene
Eat food that is thoroughly cooked and served hot. Wash fruit and vegetables carefully; peel them when appropriate. Avoid raw or unpasteurised milk and foods that may have been exposed to unsafe water.
3. Wash hands thoroughly
Wash your hands with soap and safe water after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food. People diagnosed with typhoid should follow their clinician’s advice about food handling and hygiene to avoid passing the infection to others.
4. Consider vaccination
Typhoid vaccines can reduce the risk of infection, but they do not provide complete protection. Ask a healthcare professional which vaccine is suitable, particularly for children or people travelling to areas where typhoid is common. Continue food and water precautions even after vaccination.
Treatment and Medical Advice
Typhoid is treatable with antibiotics, but antibiotic resistance can affect which medicine works. Do not self-medicate or use leftover antibiotics. If typhoid is suspected, seek medical care promptly and take prescribed treatment for the full course.
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Conclusion
Typhoid spreads mainly through food and water contaminated with Salmonella Typhi. Persistent fever, fatigue, headache and abdominal symptoms are common, but diagnosis requires medical assessment. Safe water, food hygiene, handwashing and vaccination can help prevent infection. Early medical care is important because untreated typhoid can become serious.
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